Hi,

I need some help, and quickly if possible (need to purchase today/tomorrow). Thank you so much in advance.

My boyfriend and I are moving to California and will be driving my 2010 Mazda 3 across the country in 2-3 weeks. We have a good amount of stuff and need more space.

Ideally we want something to attach to the back so that when we get there we can transport bulky furniture and have more space within the car. I talked to some people at a dealership and they said these cars were not made for trailing... at least not more that 900 - 1000 lbs.

We found some steel cargo hitches (basket-like) that can take up to 500 lbs and attach directly onto the car.

My questions:

Is this an option?
Will it mess up the transmission (what I heard from Mazda people today)?
How much weight can the hitch take in general?
Does anyone have experience with moving in this car or another older version?
Are all hitch attachments the same or are there specific carriers just for Mazdas?
What is the average cost to install a hitch?
Rooftop is my last resort, but do you have any other suggestions?

Any advice is much appreciated.

Here are the baskets I'm talking about:
google search "steel cargo carrier basket"

https://www.google.com/search?q=stee...asket&tbm=shop

Thank you so much,
Meghan

 

Check Carid.com for the CURT rear trailer hitch for your 2010 Mazda 3. Cost is approx. $145
If your using a U-Haul small trailer find out what size ball hitch you will need. Carid has a 1 7/8 ball or a 2" ball. You will also need the electric harness to hook up your braking signal additional charges for the 2 items